'98 Clutch fan failure.....

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Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Threads
74
Messages
1,052
Location
Sandia Park, New Mexico
This fan clutch failed after only 2.5 years?:frown: I had replaced this during my timing belt replacement, and used genuine Toyota parts! I hope no damage is done to my water pump, but will find out shortly.
Pictures to follow.
DMX
 
Dean, I had a similar experience with my blue OEM clutch; brand new and it s*** the bed at 2-years. Not sure what is wrong with your's but for mine it wasn't hooking up. I drained the factory silicone out of it, took about 12+ hours IIRC, and replaced with a blend of 7500 and 10000 CST (for additional cooling/air pull at slower trail crawling speeds) silicone fluid and its been great ever since. Saved me from purchasing a brand new $$ fan clutch.
 
I've had 0 issues with vehicle overheating etc. the first time I noticed it was locked up always on = fan noise and reduced MPG.

I started hearing the same noise (loud roar when revving/driving fast) this time and figured I'd look at when I got home. Then the fan noise became more of a rattling sound that I could almost feel. I popped the hood and seen the thing wobbling! When I shut it off, it was loose on its shaft. I can see oil residue all over everything too.
This morning it's not as loose,
now I have it off it's seems tight, but feels rough.

I think I may have found the problem (sorry to say:hhmm:). see picture.
IMG_3521.webp
 
Now I'm wondering if I used an aftermarket clutch, because I remember getting a heavy duty unit, and Dan only offered this as a replacement?
Is this a good one? I see blue as you guys mentioned.
~Dean
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Now that I've got everything off I see that the OEM has STUDS and the other has bolts holding the fan on?:confused:
Can someone confirm this is the correct fan clutch. Toyota PN# 16210-50051 for a '98 LC.
Thanks
 
Dean, I had a similar experience with my blue OEM clutch; brand new and it s*** the bed at 2-years. Not sure what is wrong with your's but for mine it wasn't hooking up. I drained the factory silicone out of it, took about 12+ hours IIRC, and replaced with a blend of 7500 and 10000 CST (for additional cooling/air pull at slower trail crawling speeds) silicone fluid and its been great ever since. Saved me from purchasing a brand new $$ fan clutch.

Thanks Dan,
My clutch is FUBAR'd. I looked into the clutch fan mod and not sure I want to tear into a new uint to make it better. My main reason time, but from what I've read the fluid mod isn't 100% either. Without a way to monitor the temps with any kind of certainty, I think it's just blind luck. :meh:

I think I'll use this opportunity to buy a better scan tool - following your ScangaugeII idea. This way I can keep an eye everything including the temperature. Hopefully allowing me to catch this before a complete failure.
Then, I can change fluid, and compare notes and have quantitative base line with the data previously collected with the scan tool. :cheers:

Luckily, I keep all the leftover hardware from the previous mods/repairs, and found these serrated flange nuts to hold my fan on. :cheers: Since there were only 4 I'm wondering if they aren't the originals? LOL
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